Art Basel Miami Beach[1] just kicked off in Florida with the unveiling of a stunning art installation by Rachely Rotem[2] and Phu Hoang[3]. Dubbed the Exhale Pavilion, the open-air installation features seven miles of reflective and phosphorescent ropes that interact with the wind to create a dynamic space that changes with the weather. After the event, all the materials from the Exhale Pavilion will be recycled, included the concrete bases, which will be used to create artificial reef[4] in nearby waters.

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Exhale Pavilion was designed to complement evening programs at Art Basil Miami Beach, which include video and performance pieces as well as an impressive DJ lineup during the fair. The piece opened yesterday, featuring seven miles of rope unfurled over 25,000 sq ft. Rotem and Huoang[7]‘s piece was inspired by the bioluminescent effect that occurs naturally in algal blooms in the ocean. The installation also features sensors that detect wind conditions and send signals to a computerized light control system.

Rotem and Huoang also carefully considered the lifecycle of their installation — all the materials used will be either recycled or donated at the end of the show. The seven miles of rope will be donated to a non-profit organization, and the concrete bases will be donated to the Department of Environmental Resources Management in Florida to be used to create artificial reef[4] in the waters off Miami Beach.

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Art Basel Miami Beach runs from December 2nd to the 5th and it features an international selection of cutting-edge artists along with special exhibitions, parties and crossover events that feature music, film, architecture and design. Each night special programs will be hosted at the Oceanfront[1], which is where Rotem and Hoang[9] have set up their glowing installation of ropes, steel structures, and concrete bases.

Exhale Pavilion won the prestigious Art Basel Miami Beach/Creative Time ‘Oceanfront’ competition. The design uses both reflective and phosphorescent ropes to create a dynamic and interactive environment that will sway and glow at night[10]. To follow along with the event and for more details and follow our updates on Facebook.com/HoangRotem[11] and Twitter (@HoangRotem[12])